Final Post

There are so many things that I have learned from taking this class. Some of these things I can put into words more easily than others. One thing that I have learned is that we all have strengths and weaknesses. Making the best of those strengths is very important, but admitting that we have weaknesses is essential to success. There are those out there who can help up fill in those gaps and make us both stronger in the process. I don’t have to do it all on my own and it is a much more fun journey to make when you have someone with you.

One idea that I had when starting this class was that I would have to choose between spending all of my time with my family or the business. Some of the readings did indicate that the family would be neglected, but other readings showed that, while it is hard, it is possible to keep your priorities correctly in line and make time for both. The article of Randy Haykin was especially enlightening since he brought up the fact that he sometimes struggles with this idea. He points out that he tries to pace himself and that when he was home with his family, he wasn’t doing office work. There are several other stories that also give advice for managing both and ideas of things that worked for them. Some of these are turning off work phones when at home, a “worry tree” by the front door to hang work worries on before entering and taking family members along on business trips.

            Probably the greatest thing that I learned from taking this class is that business and the Gospel of Jesus Christ actually go together. Working isn’t just about bettering our own situation. Through our work, we can strengthen those around us and build them up along with us. With our knowledge of God’s plan, we can lead our business teams with honor and virtue. We should pray about business ventures and be aware of what He has planned for our business as well. Although it may not be appropriate to pray in groups at work, we can pray individually and include Him in our decisions as we go. Our entrepreneur journey doesn’t have to be a lonely one. With His help we can keep ourselves on the right path and give of ourselves as Christ did.

week 12

The lesson this week was about being grateful. I thought that there was some wonderful advice and reminders given throughout it. The story of Larry North was amazing. Of all people who had an excuse to fail it would have been him and yet he believed in himself and started a very successful business. I don’t have nearly the excuse that he does, but it gives me hope that I can be successful too. I also enjoyed reading President Monson’s talk “Attitude of Gratitude”. He talked about Christ’s life and that He had nothing, he didn’t have a home or bed and yet He was the creator of all. He gave everything that He had to share the gospel to those around Him. He asks us to let Him into our homes, He won’t come uninvited, but is willing to be there for us if we will let him in. I think that sometimes we can get so caught up with our own problems that we forget how very blessed we are and that it all comes from God. Because we have been given so much, we should therefor, be more willing to share with those in need also. We need to see past our here and now and look towards the hereafter so that we can help everyone get there.

week11

I sure liked the reading assignments for this lesson. There is so much out there that pushes business owners to only worry about themselves and leave everyone else to fend for themselves. I completely agree that a business is a little community. It’s like a family and everyone helps out and protects one another. The video “Make it Personal and Make it Work” was especially good. I liked that she brought up places that she has worked and how it was like a community and how they have helped to make things more personal for others.

The book that we have read, A Field Guide for the Hero’s Journey”, was far from what I had expected it to be. I was expecting explanation of ideas. Instead, it was lots of short stories that portrayed the point that the authors were trying to get across. The short stories were nice for breaking up ideas but left me wondering where the authors were going with it. I felt that the other books we have read did a better job explaining this book than this book did for itself.

*Based on what you read in the first two pages (pages 3 and 4), why are virtue and integrity so vital to an economy?

Virtue and integrity are vital because without them no one would trust each other enough to actually do business. The numbers should be presented accurately so that those investing in it will know what they are getting and there will be no surprises.

*According to Charles Handy, what is the “real justification” for the existence of businesses?

Businesses should exist to make a “profit so that the business can do something more or better.”

 *What are two solutions proposed by Handy that you agree with? Why?

I agree that there needs to be more honesty in reporting data. I think that making your reports look better than they actually are only set the company up for failure. Investors will be expecting numbers to raise but when they raise to where they were supposed to be to begin with, it causes distrust and a lose of business.

I also agree that companies should have a cause that they contribute to. I think that it helps to motivate workers to do their best and it also helps to keep everything in perspective. Contributing to a cause can help us feel good about ourselves and notice the blessings that we have around us.